The Best Bits: My December 2024 Favorites
The Best Bits is a monthly series where I tell you what I’ve been up to! These are the things I’m doing, the media I’m loving, and products I recommend! Here’s a fresh batch of December favorites for your reading pleasure!
DISCOVERING | Ring Binder Planners
I have one rule for myself when it comes to the end of one year and the beginning of the next… NO NEW PLANNERS! In the weeks flanking the new year I cannot not let myself within 500 feet of a stationery store, a Barnes & Noble, or the pen aisle at Target. I have tried countless times over the years to become a planner person. I’ve bought spiral bound agendas, ruled notebooks, bullet journals, and desk calendars with limited success. There’s something deep within me that craves finding the notebook that will change everything. In reality I end up buying notebooks that sit on my shelves unused because I am too afraid to “ruin” them. Other times I’ve committed to a planner for no more than 11 days and then forgotten it exists entirely.
Yet, this might be the part of the post where I eat my words because I am technically trying a new planner system right now. Back in September I purchased an A5 leather ring binder on Etsy and was using it for taking notes. Then it occurred to me I could also customize individual agenda pages in Canva and print them out myself. From that moment, endless possibilities were born. There were no rules, little to no pressure or fear of anything permanent, and I’d already spent the money. If this worked, I’d never have to buy another planner again! I could always pick up where I left off and not worry about wasting an entire year’s worth of dated pages or throwing another $45 down the drain. These results are not yet proven, but if it works for me I will certainly be updating you all!
READING | Down The Drain by Julia Fox
I listened to the audio version of this book, narrated by the author. Her story was fascinating, incredibly unique, and heartbreaking at times. Julia is an incredible writer, and she captured some of the most gritty and jarring experiences from her life with raw vulnerability and poetic insight. This is definitely not a book for young or sensitive readers as it covers some controversial and heavy topics, but I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a hard hitting memoir!
WATCHING | Chimp Crazy
This show, from the same director that brought us Tiger King, was just downright bonkers. There are some truly eccentric personalities featured, and by the end of the first episode we’re right there with the crew as they attempt to solve a mystery. There were a few difficult moments to watch, but I think this docuseries shines an important light on the welfare of exotic animals kept as pets. Chimp Crazy proves that loving animals is not always the same as wanting the best for them. There’s also a lot more McDonald’s product placement than I ever thought I’d see in a documentary about large apes!
LISTENING | Homemaker Chic Podcast
I’ve been listening to Homemaker Chic Podcast for about a year now, and it’s become a bit of a comfort listen for me. I often tune in during the work day or while doing household chores. It motivates me to add a little extra flair into the mundane aspects of running our home, like picking a nice smelling laundry soap, or getting out the linen napkins and lighting a candle at the dinner table. I don’t always agree with the opinions or values expressed in their episodes, but that doesn’t stop me from listening and enjoying their content. Give them a listen if you’re interested in spiffing up your household routine, and they’re right when they say anyone can be a homemaker!
PLANNING | Christmas Movie Weekend
This month my best friend Emily and I dedicated a weekend to cozying up to watch Christmas movies and it was the best thing ever! We had lofty plans to get some knitting and crocheting done, but a little puppy we know had some other ideas for us (mostly nipping and attempts to steal yarn). The Holiday and Mixed Nuts were on our watch list this year, and we baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies to share. Not a bad way to spend a weekend if you ask me!
CRAFTING | Mistake Rib Cowl by Purl Soho
I made this cowl for a holiday gift, and it was truly so fun to knit! I chose an alpaca double knit yarn from Sandnes Garn in a lovely ink blue color, and the finished product was so soft and stretchy with a lovely ribbed texture! I’ll certainly be knitting more of these!
GROWING | Chocolate Sourdough Starter
A few weeks ago I saw someone posting about their chocolate sourdough starter, and I was fascinated. As it turns out, to make chocolate starter, all you need to do is feed your traditional sourdough starter with a bit of cocoa powder and sugar! I haven’t baked with my chocolate starter yet, but I’m definitely curious to give it a go! Maybe some chocolate pancakes are in my future!
APPLYING | Clinique Moisture Surge
Clinique moisturizer has been my go-to for years (it’s also my mom’s favorite, so I was raised on the stuff!) but a few months ago I ran out and was making do with other random moisturizers that I’d wanted to try out. This month I placed a new order for the big daddy Moisture Surge, and now that my skin is back to a product that’s always worked for me, I’m wondering why I ever strayed!
WEARING | L.L. Bean Flannel Pajamas
About two winters ago I purchased a set of L.L. Bean pajamas for myself. They were cozy, they were soft, and they were a bit of a splurge. This year, it got down to flannel pajama temperature and I pulled these lovely things out of the drawer and donned them proudly. As soon as I could get comfortable, a small, furry, razor-toothed creature lunged at me and ripped my poor pajama pants 😭 A word to the wise: keep your nice jammies away from teething puppies!
EATING | Christmas Cookies
If you’re baking this holiday season, you absolutely have to check out my Christmas cookie recipe roundup! You’re bound to find something you love on that list!
SIPPING | True Lemon Raspberry Lemonade
I’m a sucker for raspberry anything. This month I tried these water enhancer packets on a whim, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing! I drink them at about half strength (add half a packet into my 40oz tumbler with ice) and it’s the perfect little something to add into your water without being overpowering or adding a ton of sugar. I prefer when low/zero sugar products are sweetened with stevia, and this really fits the bill for me!
INDULGING | Puppy Chew Toys
Can you tell a big theme of December for us was our nipping, biting, chewing puppy? Friends, we are DEEP within the teething stage right now! Our little gal has been a big fan of yak chews, and we’ve also been breaking out the Kong, a coffee wood chew, a benebone, and a few days ago I ordered a pupsicle kit. This might sound like a lot, but keeping a variety of chews on hand keeps her engaged and interested, and anything to save our fingers, furniture, and clothing is absolutely worth it to me!
ADMIRING | Baublebar Icon Tote
This tote came across my radar when I was shopping around for knitting project bags. I love the customization feature, and I’m kicking myself for not buying one when they were on a big sale a few weeks ago. Since then they’ve raised the price quite a bit and now there’s a long waitlist! I’ve seen a few Etsy dupes popping up, so it’s only a matter of time until there’s a more affordable option out there.
OBSESSING | English Cottage Decor
When it comes to home decor I’ve really been loving the cozy simplicity of the “english cottage” style. I think this is going to be a big decor trend in the coming months and years, especially with the rise of “cottagecore” and “Nancy Meyers aesthetic” on social media. With all aspects of style (be it fashion, branding, or interiors) it’s often easier to fall into trend traps than to build something of your own slowly over time. I’m planning to decorate my own home at a snail’s pace, but it’s certainly tempting to run wild in Pottery Barn and cover everything I own in floral wallpaper!
CELEBRATING | Spending Time with Family
This year we’re hosting Christmas at our house. It’s been so lovely getting our home ready for the holiday, even though we’re keeping it simple this year. We put my ceramic gingerbread village on the mantle, hung a jingle bell wreath on the door, and set up the tree with lights but no ornaments (thanks to the pup). This season has felt like a whirlwind, but we’re so glad it’s time to wind down and enjoy the holiday with our loved ones!
What are your favorite things this month?
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